2011 MLB Playoff Predictions: Ivan Nova Will Be Super for Yankees in Game 5 Win

The Yankees and the Tigers will return to the scene of the crime from Game 1, Part 2 on Thursday to decide which of the two moves on to the American League Championship Series. Ivan Nova and Doug Fister will once again battle on the bump at Yankee Stadium, though they won't be officially marked as long relievers this time around.

That being said, if the circumstances play out as they did in the second attempt at the series opener, the Yankees will ride their "Super" Nova to a win in Game 5 and the rematch with the Texas Rangers that comes with it.

Nova was otherworldly for the Bronx Bombers last week, allowing just four hits and two runs while striking out five in 6.1 strong innings of work. His four walks left something to be desired but did little to harm New York's chances of winning what evolved into a 9-3 blowout.

The 24-year-old Dominican could hardly be blamed for the butterflies fluttering around in his stomach on that day. After all, it was Nova's first-ever postseason start, in front of a raucous crowd at Yankee Stadium, no less.

A rather nerve-racking situation, indeed, even if the crowd was behind him.

Nonetheless, Nova showed tremendous moxie on the mound while easily outpitching Mister Fister to victory. Fister's work was finished after just 4.2 innings, during which he surrendered six runs on seven hits and two walks. Detroit's No. 2 starter couldn't fool the Bronx Bombers' star-studded lineup, particularly during his second and third turn through the order.

There's little reason to believe things will be all that much different this time around. Tigers manager Jim Leyland will squeeze more of his switch hitters, including Wilson Betemit and Ramon Santiago, into the lineup, rather than relying on the rash of righties he'd originally enlisted to swing at CC Sabathia.

Then again, Betemit and Santiago don't exactly strike fear into the hearts of opposing pitchers, even one with as little postseason experience as Nova. If anything, Nova's youth will suit him well on the big stage on Thursday, as it has so many youngsters in the past. Like Dan Haren, Josh Beckett and John Lackey before him, Nova will not be phased by the bright, burning lights. He won't be owned by the moment.

Rather, it's Nova who will own it and, by extension, the Tigers, the kid leading a team salted with seasoned veterans on to the ALCS.